Dating while getting divorced

I was thinking about this recently because unfortunately I know a lot of people getting divorced right now. Some of them have started dating someone (or sleeping with someone) as soon as they separated with their spouse (before even filing for divorce) while others have waited until they've filed for divorce or are divorced.

What do you think is appropriate? Even though I can see the attraction of dating someone soon especially if your relationship had been over for a while before you got separated I still don't think your single until your divorce is final and therefore shouldn't be dating. Although it would be hard because you would feel like your single but not be officially single. But then I wonder if it's okay to go out with a guy but not on a "date" just hanging out like movie or dinner, but at the same time that could lead to something else.

What do you guys think on this topic?

I was thinking about this recently because unfortunately I know a lot of people getting divorced right now. Some of them have started dating someone (or sleeping with someone) as soon as they separated with their spouse (before even filing for divorce) while others have waited until they've filed for divorce or are divorced.

What do you think is appropriate? Even though I can see the attraction of dating someone soon especially if your relationship had been over for a while before you got separated I still don't think your single until your divorce is final and therefore shouldn't be dating. Although it would be hard because you would feel like your single but not be officially single. But then I wonder if it's okay to go out with a guy but not on a "date" just hanging out like movie or dinner, but at the same time that could lead to something else.

I wouldn't date someone who was separated. If papers have been filed, then the decision has been made and the finalization paperwork is really a formality. I think once the papers are filed then it is ok. If no one has filed any kind of paperwork to end the marriage, then I don't consider that relationship over.

I wouldn't date someone who was separated. If papers have been filed, then the decision has been made and the finalization paperwork is really a formality. I think once the papers are filed then it is ok. If no one has filed any kind of paperwork to end the marriage, then I don't consider that relationship over.

My DF's father is going through this. He's seeing a woman who is not technically divorced yet. They've even moved in together into their own house. I think it's inappropriate. It kinda skeeves me out. I don't really like the woman to begin with, but the fact that she is still married while living with another man makes me dislike her even more.

My DF's father is going through this. He's seeing a woman who is not technically divorced yet. They've even moved in together into their own house. I think it's inappropriate. It kinda skeeves me out. I don't really like the woman to begin with, but the fact that she is still married while living with another man makes me dislike her even more.

The paperwork for separation in Ontario clearly states you are now considered to be and can act as a single person. By the time I was filing all decisions to never be with that person ever again had be made. I had no intention of going back and could not wait to start my new life.I forgot to say the legal documents also say that any debt, purchases etc made in that year are also just yours and do not count in the divorce as you are legally a single person.

The paperwork for separation in Ontario clearly states you are now considered to be and can act as a single person. By the time I was filing all decisions to never be with that person ever again had be made. I had no intention of going back and could not wait to start my new life.I forgot to say the legal documents also say that any debt, purchases etc made in that year are also just yours and do not count in the divorce as you are legally a single person.

I think it is perfectly fine. Otherwise we are saying that the little piece of paper IS what makes a couple stay together and that isn't true. If marriage is in the heart and the paperwork is merely the legal aspect, then divorce is in the heart too.

I think it is perfectly fine. Otherwise we are saying that the little piece of paper IS what makes a couple stay together and that isn't true. If marriage is in the heart and the paperwork is merely the legal aspect, then divorce is in the heart too.

When my best friend was going through her divorce, she had to be legally separated for a year before they could finalize the divorce. Within that year, if she had been caught dating, her (ex)husband could use that as adultery. Rather than it being about morals, I'd rather cover my butt in a situation like that!

When my best friend was going through her divorce, she had to be legally separated for a year before they could finalize the divorce. Within that year, if she had been caught dating, her (ex)husband could use that as adultery. Rather than it being about morals, I'd rather cover my butt in a situation like that!

Depends on the scenario. It takes 2 to officially file for divorce, but I know MANY people who's ex-spouse dragged their heels to make it difficult, and ended up separated for years, nevermind how long it took to get officially divorced. I wouldn't expect someone to be single during 3 years of court proceedings, for example.

2 weeks after separation? Too early. 2 months, especially if the relationship was "dead" long before official proceedings started? Totally fine with me.

Depends on the scenario. It takes 2 to officially file for divorce, but I know MANY people who's ex-spouse dragged their heels to make it difficult, and ended up separated for years, nevermind how long it took to get officially divorced. I wouldn't expect someone to be single during 3 years of court proceedings, for example.

2 weeks after separation? Too early. 2 months, especially if the relationship was "dead" long before official proceedings started? Totally fine with me.

Since people have to be legally separated for one year before the divorce is finalized here, I see no issue with dating while waiting on that finalization. My friend and her husband separated and had a lawyer draw up a separation agreement. They had a bad marriage and it's over. Why should they have to wait for an arbitrary deadline?

Since people have to be legally separated for one year before the divorce is finalized here, I see no issue with dating while waiting on that finalization. My friend and her husband separated and had a lawyer draw up a separation agreement. They had a bad marriage and it's over. Why should they have to wait for an arbitrary deadline?

I agree that divorce is "in the heart" but I'd be very wary of dating a man that hadn't filed for divorce yet because the "heart" could change his mind and go back to his wife. (or perhaps he told me his "heart" was divorced but really it was only his penis)

To the OP: I've known a few people that are on Match.com with a profile stating they are single within a week after splitting with their spouse. I'd say not single yet in that case... give it a few months before trying to jump into another relationship.

I agree that divorce is "in the heart" but I'd be very wary of dating a man that hadn't filed for divorce yet because the "heart" could change his mind and go back to his wife. (or perhaps he told me his "heart" was divorced but really it was only his penis)

To the OP: I've known a few people that are on Match.com with a profile stating they are single within a week after splitting with their spouse. I'd say not single yet in that case... give it a few months before trying to jump into another relationship.

My husbands ex wife moved another man into her house with her 3 kids a month after my husband left. A month later she was pregnant. I see nothing wrong with dating while you are divorcing but there should always be some boundaries.

My husbands ex wife moved another man into her house with her 3 kids a month after my husband left. A month later she was pregnant. I see nothing wrong with dating while you are divorcing but there should always be some boundaries.

I think it's fine. I was living with my fiance before he was officially divorced. His ex kept dragging her feet about getting everything done because she wanted outrageous amounts of money and belongings. He said the marriage had ended a very long time ago. As in they hadn't had sex in six years, and things were bad before then.

I think it's fine. I was living with my fiance before he was officially divorced. His ex kept dragging her feet about getting everything done because she wanted outrageous amounts of money and belongings. He said the marriage had ended a very long time ago. As in they hadn't had sex in six years, and things were bad before then.

I think it's fine. I would be hesitant to date someone going through a divorce. Not because they might change their mind, that can happen anytime. I would just want things settled, divorces can be ugly and I'd want no part of it.

I think it's fine. I would be hesitant to date someone going through a divorce. Not because they might change their mind, that can happen anytime. I would just want things settled, divorces can be ugly and I'd want no part of it.

Yes. They can go back to their wives. I had it happen to me. I was dating a guy who said he was divorced but he went back to her and I found out they were never divorced. Which was good for me because I learned never to date divorced men... ever.

But... seeing as that guy continued to split from his wife and go back to her every few years, I would say their marriage was ONLY on paper anyway.

Yes. They can go back to their wives. I had it happen to me. I was dating a guy who said he was divorced but he went back to her and I found out they were never divorced. Which was good for me because I learned never to date divorced men... ever.

But... seeing as that guy continued to split from his wife and go back to her every few years, I would say their marriage was ONLY on paper anyway.

This sounds like my mom. When my Dad finally had enough of her he moved out, and was promptly replaced with a man my mom had been having an affair with. I think when kids are involved it needs to be taken slow for their sake.

This sounds like my mom. When my Dad finally had enough of her he moved out, and was promptly replaced with a man my mom had been having an affair with. I think when kids are involved it needs to be taken slow for their sake.

I've been in a wonderful relationship for 4 years with a man who's divorce STILL isn't finalized. I see no problem. They were separated for 18 months when we started dating-we share 2 children together and my oldest from a previous. His divorce has taken so long since she still wants money. (he's paid alimony for 2 years) It hasn't affected our relationship, I told him from day 1 that I'd help him through the process, I knew there would be sacrifices (us not marrying) but I wouldn't change a minute of it.

I've been in a wonderful relationship for 4 years with a man who's divorce STILL isn't finalized. I see no problem. They were separated for 18 months when we started dating-we share 2 children together and my oldest from a previous. His divorce has taken so long since she still wants money. (he's paid alimony for 2 years) It hasn't affected our relationship, I told him from day 1 that I'd help him through the process, I knew there would be sacrifices (us not marrying) but I wouldn't change a minute of it.

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